Expert Heritage Roofing in Launceston, Cornwall

Have you noticed your roof slates starting to "delaminate" or flake away? Or perhaps you've spotted bits of old mortar crumbling into the gutters? These are common signs that your heritage roof is crying out for some specialist attention. In this part of the world, we're big fans of Delabole slate and traditional scantle roofing. It's a beautiful, random-sized slate method that's been used in Cornwall for hundreds of years, usually bedded in lime mortar to let the building breathe.Many modern roofers might try to talk you into using dry-fix systems or cement-based mortars because they're faster. However, on a historic building, that's often a recipe for disaster, trapping moisture and causing damp inside your home. We stick to time-honoured "wet-laying" techniques. By using breathable lime and locally sourced stone, we ensure your restoration looks authentic and, more importantly, works in harmony with the rest of the structure. It’s a slower process, sure, but it’s the only way to do the job properly.

Dealing with planning officers and conservation requirements can feel like a bit of a minefield, can't it? If your home is in a designated Conservation Area or carries a Grade I or II listing, you can't just pop any old tile up there. Most homeowners we speak to in Launceston are worried about falling foul of the rules. We're here to take that stress off your shoulders. We've spent years liaising with local councils and heritage experts to ensure every repair is a "like-for-like" match.We can help you navigate the paperwork and ensure that the materials we use—from the specific weight of the lead to the hue of the slate—meet the strict standards required for sympathetic restoration. Our goal is to make the new work look like it's always been there, maintaining the structural integrity of the timber bones underneath while satisfying the eagle eyes of the conservation officers.

One of the biggest headaches with old, tall buildings is just getting a good look at the problem. Traditionally, you'd need to fork out thousands for scaffolding just to see why a chimney stack is leaking. It feels like a huge expense before the work has even started, doesn't it? We've solved that by using high-definition drone roof surveys. It's a total game-changer for heritage properties in Cornwall.Our drones can zoom in on fragile gables, hidden valleys, and high-level masonry without us ever having to set foot on a delicate roof. This non-invasive approach gives us crystal-clear images of things like eroding lime pointing or cracked leadwork. It means we can give you a pinpoint-accurate quote and a detailed plan of action without any guesswork. It’s modern technology serving traditional craftsmanship, and it saves you a lot of faff in the long run.

Lead is often the unsung hero of a heritage roof. It’s what keeps the tricky bits—like where the roof meets a chimney or two slopes join in a valley—completely watertight. But lead isn't just something you nail down; it's a material that needs to be bossed and welded by someone who knows what they're doing. If it's fitted too tightly, it'll crack when the sun hits it; if it's too loose, the Cornish wind will find a way in.Our team are experts in traditional lead bossing and welding. We treat leadwork as an art form, ensuring that every flashing and gutter lining is shaped perfectly to the contours of your building. Imagine the peace of mind you'll have during the next big storm, knowing your leadwork was hand-crafted to withstand the worst of the weather. Whether it's a simple repair to a chimney stack or a complete lead flat roof, we apply the same level of care and precision.